In order to improve control and wind range, more and more manufacturers are using particularly stiff materials to give the wings a high degree of dimensional stability. PPC Foiling is also taking this approach with the M1 model - we tested the 5.0 square metre size.
On land
As an alternative to the standard Blend model, PPC Foiling has the M1, a model made from Dyneema laminate, in its programme. The front tube and centre chord are made of a high-strength material, which is designed to ensure high rigidity - also because it allows a high inflation pressure of eleven psi. This allows the diameter of the tube to be reduced, which in turn should have a positive effect in the form of lower air resistance and therefore more top speed. This principle is also known from wings made of Aluula material - however, the M1 does not achieve the very light weights of the Aluula wings with a measured 2.98 kilos.
In general, the M1 has a comparatively flat profile, the cloth tension is high and the entire basic structure is exceptionally strong and of high quality. Small battens on the trailing edge prevent the wing from flapping. The wing is ventilated and deflated via two separate SUP valves. The handle system consists of two fixed handles, which leave nothing to be desired thanks to the non-slip coating, thin dimensions and ideal positioning. The built-in windows are narrow and the view to leeward is correspondingly poor. There is a large handle on the front tube, which is pleasingly stiff, but appears to be somewhat generously dimensioned.
On the water
Even if the PPC M1 Wing is not one of the very light models on the scales, it is still well balanced in the hands. However, with its stiff base frame and fairly flat profile, it doesn't generate much lift at the lower wind limit. If you actively pump the M1 and have a good pumping technique, you can still take off very well with the M1. However, less experienced wingfoilers will only start flying with a little more wind than is the case with other wings. Our tip: In light winds, reduce the inflation pressure from 11 to 9-9.5 psi! This gives the M1 noticeably more flex, making it easier to pump.
Once it has taken off, the PPC M1 Wing immediately brings its strengths to the water: it has good flight stability and is wonderfully stable in the hand, accelerates powerfully and shows most other wings the tail lights with its remarkable top speed. Even in strong gusts, no fluttering, shaking or buckling disturbs the flight, with the M1 you can concentrate fully on accelerating. The handles offer very direct contact with the wing, but because they don't protrude very far from the centre strut, you have to grip a little more precisely in manoeuvres. Keyword "manoeuvres": In upwind moves, e.g. turns, the PPC Wing offers a pleasingly low drag and scores with a balanced and very predictable flight behaviour - it seems lighter than you would expect given the measured weight. The Wing also performs excellently in foil manoeuvres such as jibes, foil 360s and other tricks, although it is not as playful and agile as the absolute lightweights on the market. The same applies to freestyle use. And in the waves? The M1 Wing is perfectly suitable for riding swell waves, as it balances itself stably in the wind as soon as you guide it by the front handle loop. However, because this is quite large - which means that direct contact with the wing suffers somewhat when drifting - and the trailing edge of the M1 drops a little earlier, its suitability for downwinders and waves is not quite at the top level.
PPC M1 Wing - the conclusion
The PPC M1 Wing scores highly as a fast, stable and extremely controllable wing, especially for sporty freeriders and racers. If you are mainly travelling with small foils (<1000 cm2) and a lot of speed, this is exactly what you need. However, the M1 is not suitable as a light wind weapon and wing for beginners and intermediates.
Speed, control, flight stability
Light wind power
